AASW Registration Webinar May 2025
AASW Webinar: Pushing for Change: National Registration – 14 May 2025
Watch the full recording of our webinar update on how the AASW is advocating for the critical issue of national registration with the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Watch the National Registration Webinar – Pushing for Change 14 May 2025 on Vimeo
You can also access the PowerPoint slide presentation from the webinar by downloading a PDF of the slides here.
Webinar FAQs
How much are registration fees under Ahpra?
Registration fees are different for each profession and are set by Ahpra and the National Board. They work to keep fees as low as possible while fulfilling regulatory obligations and meeting the expectations of the public and practitioners.
Key factors in determining fees include the size of the workforce and the number and complexity of complaints against practitioners.
Ahpra registration fees are tax deductible.
Why should I continue to pay for AASW membership on top of registration fees?
Many other Ahpra registered health professions choose to maintain membership of their professional association for several reasons, including professional indemnity insurance coverage, access to legal services, access to CPD, and advocacy/representation to government and other decision makers.
Would Ahpra take over accreditation of Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) and other AASW credentials?
No. The AASW would most likely continue to accredit Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs). This would be a similar model to mental health occupational therapists, who are required to be Ahpra-registered, as well as being endorsed by Occupational Therapy Australia if they want to practise as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist.
Would national registration through NRAS mean that there is title protection for using the term 'social worker'?
Yes. National social work registration through NRAS would mean you can only call yourself a social worker by having the necessary social work qualification. This aligns with existing Ahpra registered health professions such as psychologists and occupational therapists.
Would Ahpra registration mean that processes such as registering as a Medicare provider are streamlined?
Currently, the process for applying for a Medicare provider number for allied health professionals is the same regardless of Ahpra registration status. However, the evidence required for the application will differ – see this form for further details – Application for a Medicare provider number and, or prescriber number for allied health and non-medical health professionals form (HW093) – Services Australia
What can I do to get involved in advocacy?
We know that there are many competing priorities that ministers must deal with. This means it’s up to us to make social work registration a political priority for decision makers and that our evidence and discussion is focused on protecting the public from harm.
The outcome of the NRAS Complexity Review will impact our advocacy work and it is important to remain dynamic and respond to changes in the political climate. We will communicate a range of actions that members can get involved in to actively advocate for national registration at the right time – please keep an eye out for further communication from the AASW.
Will registration improve the professional standing of social work and lead to better pay and conditions?
The primary purpose of registration of social workers is to protect the public. It is highly unlikely that registration will have an impact on pay rates. Registration may have the secondary benefit of increasing the confidence of employers and the public in the profession because of the knowledge that there are legally enforceable standards in place.
Will registration have an impact on the workforce and employment of social workers?
It is true that there is a shortage of social workers, not only in rural areas. However, there is no evidence that the introduction of registration for a profession adversely affects workforce supply. In fact, the opposite may be true – when governments are able to access more robust workforce data (such as that generated from the Ahpra registration system), they are in a better position to address workforce supply challenges.
Will the AASW control national registration of social workers?
No. If social work is registered the AASW will almost certainly have an advisory role in many aspects related to regulation. The National Board would likely be informed by AASW standards, including the AASW Practice Standards and the Code of Ethics. However, the National Board would have ultimate decision-making powers to set social work standards.
Will registration be included in the cost of my membership of the AASW?
No. Registration through Ahpra registration is separate from AASW membership.
Ahpra requires that practitioners have professional indemnity insurance which is included in AASW membership.